Even though it ultimately prevents economic development, the mafia market has its own intrinsic tenacity. It is an equilibrium: no one has an immediate interest to behave differently and fight it even if one sees its drawbacks. Miserable and unreliable it may be, but the mafia's protection succeeds in making a profit from distrust, thus satisfying the interests of many.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 28